The science of biomechanics studies how outside forces act against the body and the effects of that force against the biological structure of the body. Podiatric biomechanics relates to the movement of the ankle and the foot and the forces that enact upon them. It is considered a specialty in the general field of podiatry.

The challenge of podiatric biomechanics is how to reduce the stress acting on the foot and the ankle in order to create better function of the ankle and the foot by using kinesiology and kinematology. In order to create that better function, podiatrists have to change the force acting upon the foot and ankle.

Biomechanical history has been around since 650 BC. But it wasn't until the breakthrough work of Merton Root that biomechanics ushered in a new era in podiatry. Root took what has been known about biomechanics through the centuries and added early twentieth century research about the force platform enacted within the ankle and the foot. 

Feet move about in three planes: the two vertical planes, sagittal and frontal; and, one horizontal plane, the transverse. When those planes work together, the result is called triplanar motion. When an outside force moves the ankle it is called range of motion. When the motion isn't controlled, various treatments, including orthotics may be needed to help correct the condition to gain lost strength and coordination.

For more information about podiatric biomechanics and how it relates to the foot:

 General Information

American Society of Biomechanics Links to societies around the world, resources, and journals.

Past/Present/Future of Podiatric Biomechanics A PowerPoint .pdf of what podiatric biomechanics is, its history and where it is going.

Sports Podiatry Biomechanics and the gait cycle.

Foot and Ankle Vertical section of the foot in clip art .tiff files.

The Root Protocol

Root Biomechanics What the Root Protocol is, history, and orthotics.

Custom Orthotics Theory and practice regarding biomechanical podiatry and the goals of orthotic design.

Orthotics

Orthotics Chart listing orthotic devices for what need. From the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Target Zone What's the best posture?

Foot Orthotic Biomechanics Discusses joint motion, axes, and foot orthotic biomechanics. 

Problems of Podiatric Biomechanics

Podiatry Channel The Doctor's Channel explores how footwear worsens joint biomechanics. Research study led by Dr. Casey Kerrigan, talks about biomechanics and osteoarthritis.

 

Future Directions

Emerging Concepts Newer ideas of podiatric biomechanics investigated, including using finite analysis to render two and three dimensional images of the foot on computers.

 

Studies/Articles

Kinematic Analyses of Gait Kinematic measures, determinants, center of gravity, goniometric, observational and stride analyses, summary chart.

Comparison of Foot Orthoses Investigating the clinical effectiveness of foot orthosis therapy.

Orthosis Symbiosis The debate over custom or pre-fabricated orthotics.

Hallux Limitus Understanding the biomechanical effects.

Tailor's Bunion Deformity What it is, how it is treated, surgical options, recurrence.

Specific Case Studies

Joint Angle Feedback/Gait Analysis in Stroke Patients Case report regarding computer-assisted feedback and use of gait analysis. Patient: stroke secondary to hemiplegia.

Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Comparative study of corrective orthotics.

Abnormal Biomechanics in Athletes Evaluation of the foot and ankle.

Segmental Foot Mobility Regarding those with diabetes and those without diabetes.